Playoffs series analysis: Montepaschi Siena vs. Olympiacos

Two modern classics in the Turkish Airlines Euroleague meet again in the playoffs, as Montepaschi Siena faces Olympiacos BC Piraeus at this stage for the second consecutive season. Despite dropping its last two games, Montepaschi has enjoyed a stellar Euroleague season thus far and won its Top 16 group against three Spanish powerhouses. Olympiacos overcame a 1-3 start in the regular season and reached the playoffs despite losing its first two Top 16 games by showing its character and never giving up. Montepaschi, which seeks its fifth Final Four appearance since 2003, has committed the fewest turnovers in the 2011-12 Euroleague and is second in three-point shooting percentage (39.9%), showing that its trademark extra pass offense is working to perfection. It also leads all playoffs teams in fouls committed (22.7). Olympiacos, which makes its seventh consecutive playoffs appearance, leads the Euroleague in fouls drawn (23.7 per game) and free throws attempted (23.8), emphasizing its physical, aggressive basketball that often pays off in a long playoffs series. Expect an exciting, intense battle in which only the winner will seal its ticket to the 2012 Final Four in Istanbul!